2009 AL Previews: Texas Rangers

Team Name: Texas Rangers

2008 W-L Record: 79-83

Place in division: 2nd

2009 Outlook: As is the standard with the Rangers, their offense is expected to me much better than their pitching staff. Most of the 2008 offense remains in tact except the loss of Milton Bradley. The hope in Texas is that Nelson Cruz can fill Bradley's void as the right handed power bat behind Josh Hamilton. In 2008, he hit .330/.421/.609 in 133 PAs for the Rangers following a 1.123 OPS in 448 PAs in the minor leagues. They Rangers are also hoping Chris Davis continues to mash and Hank Blalock can stay healthy. Omar Vizquel should man the short stop position until Elvis Andrus is ready. This moves a reluctant Michael Young to third. In a catching rich system, Taylor Teagarden should push Jarrod Saltalmacchia for playing time with Max Ramirez lurking. The rotation will be headed by Kevin Millwood who led the Rangers starters in FIP at 4.04, but will feature three starters who had 2008 FIP's over 5.0. They will get back Brandon McCarthy who missed most of the 2008 season, but hasn't lived up to potential. Frank Francisco will take over C.J. Wilson's role in the bullpen as closer. Joaquin Benoit, one of their primary set-up men is facing surgery and could miss the entire 2009 season. The AL West is wide open and signing Ben Sheets might help this team push for a division title in 2009.